🚛 Truck Fuel Cost Calculator 2026
Calculate Trip Fuel Costs & Consumption
Essential tool for truckers and fleet managers
What is a Truck Fuel Cost Calculator?
🚛 Fuel Cost Planning
A truck fuel cost calculator helps truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers estimate the total fuel expense for a trip. It accounts for distance, fuel efficiency (MPG), and current diesel prices.
Example: A 500-mile trip at 6 MPG with diesel at $4.00/gallon = 500 ÷ 6 × $4.00 = $333.33 fuel cost.
5-7 MPG
8-12 MPG
12-18 MPG
10-14 MPG
4-6 MPG
5-7 MPG
⛽ Fuel Cost Results
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Amount | Per Mile |
|---|
Truck Fuel Cost Formulas
Gallons Required
Total Fuel Cost
Cost Per Mile (Fuel Only)
MPG Adjusted for Load
- Enter Distance: Input total trip miles (one-way or round trip).
- Select Truck Type: Choose vehicle for default MPG or enter custom.
- Enter Fuel Price: Input current diesel price per gallon.
- Add Optional Costs: Include tolls, DEF, and other expenses.
- Calculate: Get total fuel cost, gallons needed, and cost per mile.
Average Truck Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Truck Type | Empty MPG | Loaded MPG | Tank Size | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Truck (Class 8) | 7-8 | 5-6 | 150-300 gal | 900-1,800 mi |
| Box Truck (Class 5-6) | 12-14 | 8-10 | 30-60 gal | 300-600 mi |
| Pickup (Heavy Duty) | 18-22 | 12-15 | 26-36 gal | 350-600 mi |
| Cargo Van | 14-18 | 10-12 | 25-35 gal | 300-500 mi |
| Tanker Truck | 6-7 | 4-5 | 150-300 gal | 700-1,500 mi |
| Flatbed | 7-8 | 5-6 | 150-200 gal | 900-1,400 mi |
Factors Affecting Fuel Economy
| Factor | Impact on MPG | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Load Weight | -10% to -30% | Optimize load distribution |
| Speed | -7% per 5mph over 55 | Drive 55-65 mph optimal |
| Terrain | -15% to -30% | Plan routes for flat roads |
| Weather/Wind | -5% to -15% | Headwinds reduce efficiency |
| Idling | 0.8-1.5 gal/hr | Minimize idle time |
| Tire Pressure | -1% per 1psi low | Check weekly |
| Aerodynamics | +5% to +15% | Use fairings, gap reducers |
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price. Example: 500 miles ÷ 6 MPG × $4.00/gal = $333.33.
Modern semi-trucks average 6-8 MPG empty and 5-6 MPG loaded. Aerodynamic trucks with fuel-efficient technologies can achieve 8-10 MPG.
Fuel costs average $0.50-$0.80 per mile for semi-trucks at current diesel prices. Total operating cost (fuel, maintenance, insurance) is $1.50-$2.50/mile.
Most semi-trucks have dual tanks holding 150-300 gallons total. Common configurations: 2x100 gal (200 total) or 2x150 gal (300 total).
Check EIA.gov for current national average. As of 2026, diesel ranges $3.50-$5.00/gallon depending on region. California and Northeast typically higher.
Heavy loads reduce MPG by 10-30%. A truck getting 7 MPG empty might get 5-6 MPG at max weight. Always factor load into fuel calculations.
Drive 55-65 mph, minimize idling, check tire pressure weekly, use aerodynamic aids, plan efficient routes, keep up with maintenance, and reduce weight when possible.
Gas is often cheaper per gallon, but diesel engines are 20-30% more fuel-efficient. For high-mileage commercial use, diesel is usually more economical despite higher fuel prices.
IFTA requires tracking miles and fuel per jurisdiction. Use fleet management software or the IRS/IFTA guidelines to calculate quarterly fuel tax obligations.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required for modern diesel trucks. Usage is about 2-3% of fuel consumption. Cost: $3-5/gallon, or roughly $0.02-0.04/mile.
Created by OmniCalculator.space — Your trusted source for trucking and transportation calculators.
Last Updated: January 2026